Bologna, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Bologna offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler, with each neighborhood revealing a different side of the city’s charm. For those who want to be surrounded by history, the Centro Storico, or historic center, is the best place to stay. Here, medieval towers, portico-lined streets, and Renaissance palaces create a timeless atmosphere within walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Staying in this area means you can easily visit Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica di San Petronio. A good choice for those seeking elegant comfort in the heart of the old town is Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni, a luxurious five-star property housed in an 18th-century palace. For something more intimate, Hotel Corona d’Oro combines period décor with modern amenities, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate history and style.

North of the main square lies the lively university district, which is one of the oldest in Europe and has an energetic, youthful atmosphere. This neighborhood is perfect for visitors who enjoy vibrant nightlife, casual trattorias, and independent bookshops. The area’s mix of students and locals gives it an authentic feel, and it’s still within easy reach of the city center. A comfortable and trendy option here is Aemilia Hotel Bologna, which offers spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops. It’s a great base for exploring the university quarter’s museums, such as the Palazzo Poggi, or for an evening stroll along Via Zamboni’s lively café scene.

Travelers seeking a quieter, more refined stay often choose the area around Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s largest park. This elegant residential district is ideal for those who prefer green surroundings and a more relaxed pace, yet it’s only a short walk from the city’s historic heart. The park’s tree-lined paths and peaceful gardens make it a refreshing contrast to the bustling center. Here, Art Hotel Novecento offers a boutique experience with contemporary interiors and a touch of classic Bolognese charm. It’s perfect for couples or those seeking a refined retreat after a day of sightseeing.

For visitors arriving by train or planning day trips to nearby cities like Modena or Florence, the area around Bologna Centrale station is practical and well-connected. This district offers a mix of modern hotels and traditional options, and the nearby Via dell’Indipendenza provides easy access to the main attractions. Starhotels Excelsior is a reliable upscale choice with stylish rooms and an excellent breakfast, while UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro provides comfort and convenience just steps from the station. Staying here is ideal for travelers who want quick transport access while still being close enough to enjoy Bologna’s lively historic core.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bologna. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Bologna in Spring (Best)

Spring is the best time to visit Bologna, when the city awakens from winter with mild weather, blooming parks, and lively outdoor life. From March to May, temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, perfect for walking under the city’s porticoes and exploring its medieval streets without the summer heat. Piazza Maggiore fills with café tables, and the open-air markets return to full color with seasonal produce. April and May also bring a number of cultural events, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, one of the most important literary gatherings in Italy, and numerous food festivals celebrating fresh ingredients like asparagus and artichokes. Spring offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather, local atmosphere, and manageable crowds, making it the ideal season for sightseeing and sampling Bologna’s famous cuisine.

Visiting Bologna in Summer

Summer in Bologna, from June to August, can be quite warm, with daytime temperatures often reaching 30°C or higher. While the heat may deter some, this season brings long daylight hours and a festive mood. Many residents head to the coast, so the city feels quieter, and it’s easier to enjoy its landmarks without heavy crowds. Outdoor cinema screenings, concerts, and cultural events take place throughout the city as part of the “Bologna Estate” program. Evenings are especially charming when the streets cool and locals gather for aperitivo under the porticoes. For those who don’t mind the heat, summer offers a relaxed pace and a more intimate experience of Bologna’s nightlife.

Visiting Bologna in Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, is another delightful season for visiting Bologna. The weather remains comfortably warm through September, gradually cooling to crisp, pleasant days ideal for exploring. This is the time when food truly takes center stage — the harvest season fills markets and restaurants with truffles, mushrooms, and chestnuts. The annual “MortadellaBò” festival in October celebrates the city’s most famous sausage, and wine tastings take place across the Emilia-Romagna region. The light takes on a golden tone, enhancing the beauty of Bologna’s terracotta rooftops and porticoed streets. For travelers interested in gastronomy, this is the most rewarding time to experience Bologna’s culinary soul.

Visiting Bologna in Winter

Winter in Bologna, from December to February, is quiet and atmospheric, with temperatures averaging between 3°C and 10°C. Though it can be chilly, the city’s covered porticoes make walking comfortable even in cool weather. This is the best time to enjoy Bologna’s hearty cuisine — from rich ragù to tortellini in broth — in cozy trattorias that feel especially inviting during the colder months. The Christmas season adds a touch of magic, with festive markets, lights, and the traditional Fiera di Santa Lucia at the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi. January and February are less crowded, offering excellent opportunities for museum visits and day trips to nearby cities like Modena or Parma without the usual crowds.

Getting to Bologna by Air

Nearest airports: The main airport serving the city is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, located about 6 kilometers northwest of the city center. It is one of the busiest airports in northern Italy and offers direct flights to many European destinations, as well as some intercontinental connections. Regular shuttle buses and taxis link the airport with Bologna Centrale railway station in around 20 minutes, making transfers simple and efficient. Travelers arriving from other Italian cities such as Rome or Naples can also reach Bologna by short domestic flights, though most prefer the train for convenience. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com.

Getting to Bologna by Train

Bologna is one of Italy's key railway hubs and sits on the main north–south high-speed line linking Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples. The city's main station, Bologna Centrale, is one of the largest and busiest in the country, with frequent services to major destinations such as Venice, Turin, Verona, and Pisa. Trains from Florence take as little as 35 minutes, while Milan can be reached in just over an hour on high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains. Regional services also connect Bologna with smaller towns in the Emilia-Romagna region, including Modena, Ferrara, Parma, and Ravenna, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Getting to Bologna by Car

Reaching Bologna by car is straightforward, as the city lies at the intersection of several major motorways. The A1 Autostrada del Sole connects Bologna directly with Milan and Florence, while the A13 heads northeast to Padua and Venice, and the A14 runs south toward Rimini and the Adriatic coast. Drivers entering the city should be aware of Bologna's restricted traffic zone (ZTL) in the historic center, where access is limited to residents and authorized vehicles. Public car parks are available on the outskirts, with shuttle buses and pedestrian routes leading into the center. Parking near Bologna Centrale or the ring road offers convenient access without the hassle of navigating narrow streets. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling Around Bologna

Bologna is a compact and walkable city, ideal for exploring on foot, especially within the historic center where its famous porticoes provide shelter from both sun and rain. The local bus network, run by TPER, covers all major areas and suburban routes, including connections to the airport and surrounding towns. Bicycles and electric scooters are popular options, with rental services available throughout the city. For those staying longer, a Bologna Welcome Card or multi-day transport pass offers unlimited use of public transport and discounts on museums. Taxis and ride-share services are easy to find, but most visitors prefer to walk — it's the best way to appreciate Bologna's medieval streets, towers, and piazzas at a relaxed pace.